A few days ago, there was a big box on my front porch. I've been waiting patiently for it to arrive. So without further ado, sitting underneath my little quilt......
is my new Juki! This was the grand prize for winning the NYC MQG DWR challenge with my quilt "Pink Pickles". The first thing that had to change was my sewing table. The Juki didn't fit!! So my wonderful DH got his handy little saws out and cut out enough to slide it in. I will need to re-sand my table and add another coat of polyurethane, which won't hurt it at all.
It's an Exceed F600 and it's pretty intimidating! At this point, everything, and I mean everything is different. Forget learning about all the cool things this machine can do, I'm still trying to find my "perfect" 1/4" seam. It's been a little elusive up to this point, but I'm sure it's there waiting for me.
After successfully winding a bobbin and sewing a little, I changed feet, dropped the feed dogs and decided to see what it would do with some machine quilting.
Can I just say, I'm pretty impressed. I found a leftover sandwich that I'd made for my class with Cindy Needham last year, put some thread in and just started.
There was not a single glitch, not a single tension issue, no birds nest, nothing.
In fact it was so perfect, I had trouble telling the front from the back (it's the one in the above picture).
Aren't these pretty stitches? For the very first time??
It was so pretty, I decided to put a cute binding on it. Not exactly sure what to do with it, it kind of looks like a little doll quilt. Hmmm, I do have 2 granddaughters....
So, it's a brand new time for me. I know I will have this machine for many years and I'm thinking of all the quilts waiting to be created and quilted in the years to come. It's really so exciting.
Right now we don't know each other very well, but I'm sure in the years to come, we're going to be very good friends. :)
Happy stitching, hoping those in the storm's path stay warm.
Karen
20 comments:
So exciting for you! I've heard nothing but good about machine quilting with a Juki. You are going to have a friend for years with that machine.:)
What a wonderful machine! Your quilting is perfect..how long did it take for you to become so accomplished? I don't think I'll live to master this, but I am truly going to try my best. So, will you keep your viking or sell it? You have heard about our snow here in Charlotte I'm sure. I have loved it, and hate to see it go. I love the New York Beauty quilt, the colors are wonderful..Have fun with your new "toy".
diannemitzel1@hotmail.com
Your quilting is always wonderful, but considering that was your first time playing together with your new machine, I'd say it's amazing.
Oh my gosh this is so exciting!!! Absolutely beautiful quilting. Congratulations Karen and Happy Valentine's Day, too. xoxo
What a wonderful prize!! You really deserved it though. Have fun!
wow the quilting looks great!
YOU are amazing!! So happy to see your first attempt on the new machine. Beautiful! Congrats!
congratulations on your big win! I have a lockstitch Juki and I never worry about bad tensions with it and it is the best for fmq
Oh My Goodness! The quilting is awesome! I have been researching the Juki machines, very affordable, the Juki2010.
You have given me more inspiration.
I thought about you today and wondered if you had played with it yet. The stitches are beautiful. Looks like the tension is just perfect! Mine is totally backwards from what I'm used to, but it won't take you long to figure it all out and make some amazing quilts.
I thought about you today and wondered if you had played with it yet. The stitches are beautiful. Looks like the tension is just perfect! Mine is totally backwards from what I'm used to, but it won't take you long to figure it all out and make some amazing quilts.
Wow, this little quilt is a beauty!
Such a wonderful prize for your gorgeous, winning Pink Pickles quilt. It looks like you quickly became a team, with your perfectly quilted sandwich. Maybe a touch of paint or marker or crayon here and there to add a little color and focus to a few of your swoops and curves? Just a thought.
Hopefully that elusive 1/4" won't stay hidden too long. I can see a productive friendship ahead.
It's wonderful to know the Juki finally arrived, and aren't you lucky to have a talented husband who can make the opening just right for your new machine?! I'm jealous! As for the machine, I've heard good things about that brand. Looks like it has a little larger harp too. I'm tickled for you that your FMQ looks SO good! That will be great for all your future quilting. What a great prize, Karen. Enjoy it!
Oh wow, love that quilting! Congratulations.....again!!
A wonderful prize for a wonderful quilt! I look forward to a review of your new machine once you get used to it.
OH! OH! OH! How wonderful "your Major award"!!!
Clapping! Clapping!
Beautiful!! I think you and the new machine were meant for each other. Do you remember last summer up at camp you mentioned you'd like to have a new sewing machine? Somebody was listening! Enjoy it, you deserve it!
A new sewing machine, how exciting! Your quilting looks great and just think of what you'll be able to accomplish when you the Juki know each other even better!
Wow! Amazing for you to win a Juki! Fabulous! I received a Juki as a gift in December and I love it. I am visiting you from Jan's blog Sew and Sow Farm during her 5 day blogiversary giveaway. Your quilting is beautiful. :)
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